Waste line stoppage detector and automatic water shutoff system

ABSTRACT

A waste line stoppage detector and automatic water shutoff system is utilized to prevent the overflow of raw sewage from a plumbing fixture. Electronic shutoff valves are electronically connected to a waste line stoppage detector. One application involves using an electronic waste line stoppage detector. Another application involves using a diaphragm and switch waste line stoppage. A further application involves using a float ball and switch waste line stoppage detector.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/269,921 filed Jun. 30,1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,883, issued May 14,1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention is plumbing.

Typically, in multilevel residential structures such as apartmentbuildings and condominium complexes, the plumbing fixtures, e.g. sinks,toilets, showers and bathtubs, are stacked such that a given fixture onthe top level will share common waste and water supply lines with thesame type of fixture on all the lower levels. Occassionally, a stoppagewill occur in the waste line below the waste line connection between anupper and lower unit. Such a stoppage may occur due to too large an itembeing sent down a drain, a collection of various waste materials, orsome other event which may clog a waste line. When such a stoppageoccurs, the resident of the lower unit may not be aware of the stoppageuntil the fixture overflows from water and raw sewage backing up thewaste line. The resident in the upper unit may not be aware of thestoppage unless he or she becomes aware of the overflow in the lowerunit. In any event, since the stoppage has occurred in the waste linebelow the connection between the upper and lower units, as the residentof the upper unit continues to use the upper stacked fixture, the lowerstacked fixture will continue to overflow with water and raw sewageuntil the stoppage is removed. And, if the resident of the lower unit isat work, asleep or on vacation when the stoppage occurs, substantialwater damage to floors, carpeting, cabinets, and other items near thefixture may occur due to continued use of the upper fixture.

When such a stoppage occurs between in a unit between the lower and topunit, such as a third level unit, the health and safety risks areexacerbated by water and raw sewage leaking through the ceiling into thelower units and may damage the ceiling and other parts of the lowerunits. An overflow in any unit constitutes a serious health and safetyhazard due to the overflow of raw sewage into a residence.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus fordetecting a stoppage in the waste line and automatically shutting off awater line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a typical waste and vent lineconfiguration for a two story structure utilizing the waste linestoppage detector and automatic water shutoff system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a typical water line configuration fora two story structure utilizing the waste line stoppage detector andautomatic water shutoff system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of a waste linestoppage detector utilizing an electrode detection configuration.

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of an alternative preferred embodiment ofa waste line stoppage detector utilizing a diaphragm and switchdetection configuration.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of an alternative preferred embodiment ofa waste line stoppage detector utilizing a float ball and switchdetection configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical waste and vent line configuration for a twostory structure utilizing the automatic shutoff system. In the upperunit 1, fixture 2U is depicted in FIG. 1 as a sink; however, fixture 2Ucould be a number of other water dispensing and receiving units, whichcan be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes, including bathtubs,showers, jacuzzis, toilets, bidets, urinals, washing machines, anddishwashers. Fixture 2U includes a faucet 4U which is a water dispensingdevice and a water container 6U having a top lip 8U and drainage hole10U. Drainage hole 10U is connected to drain 12U which is connected tovent/waste line 14 through P trap 16U and San T fitting 18U.

In the lower unit 3, fixture 2L includes a faucet 4L and a watercontainer 6L having a top lip 8L and drainage hole 10L. Drainage hole10L is connected to drain 12L which is connected to vent/waste line 22through P trap 16L and San T fitting 18L. A waste line stoppage detector21 is contained in pipe 20 which is connected to Y fitting 19 tovent/waste line 22 and is located in a relative position above upright Yfitting 26 and below top lip 8L. Vent/waste line 14 and vent/waste line22 are connected by upright Y fitting 26. Preferably, waste linestoppage detector is located between the San T fitting 18L and theupright Y fitting 26. Such a location provides for early stoppagedetection and prevents any raw sewage from overflowing into lower unit3. In a three or greater story structure, additional detectors arepreferably located between the San T fitting and the upright Y fittingthat connects each successive level to the vent/waste line. For otherfixtures utilizing different fittings, the waste line stoppage detectormay be installed between the top lip of the lower unit fixture and abovethe connection of the upper unit and lower unit waste lines.

FIG. 2 depicts a typical water line configuration for a two storystructure utilizing the automatic water shutoff system. The vent/wastelines 14 and 22 of FIG. 1 are in the same configuration as previouslydescribed except they are illustrated in less detail. Hot water line 28is connected to the lower unit faucet 4L (See FIG. 1) through T fitting30, straight pipe 32L, angle valve 34L which is a manual shutoff valvecommonly associated with the water line for a fixture, and supply line33L. Hot water line 28 is connected to the upper unit faucet 4U (SeeFIG. 1) through right angle fitting 36, straight pipe 32U, angle valve34U, and supply line 33U. Cold water line 36 is connected to the lowerunit faucet 4L (See FIG. 1) through T fitting 30, straight pipe 32L,angle valve 34L, and supply line 33L. Cold water line 36 is connected tothe upper unit faucet 4U (See FIG. 1) through right angle fitting 36,straight pipe 32U, angle valve 34U, and supply line 33U. Electronicshutoff valve 38 is connected to hot water line 28 below T fitting 30and electronic shutoff 40 valve is connected to cold water line 36 belowT fitting 30. Electronic shutoff valves 38 and 40 are electricallyconnected to waste line stoppage detector 21 by positive wire 42 andnegative wire 44.

The system generally functions as follows: A stoppage occurs in wasteline 27 below upright Y fitting 26. Water will begin to back up wasteline 27 from either the upper unit 1 or the lower unit 3 or from bothunits as water from faucet 4U (or 4L) enters water container 6U (or 6L),passes through drainage hole 10U (or 10L), drain 12U (or 12L), P trap16U (or 16L), San T fitting 18 (or 18L) and enters either (or both)vent/waste lines 14 or 22 and passes through upright Y fitting 26 towaste line 27. Without the waste line stoppage detection and automaticwater shutoff system in place water from upper unit 1 would continue toflow down vent/waste line 14 and backup through upright Y fitting 26,vent/waste line 22, San T fitting 18L, P-trap 16L, drain pipe 12L, drainhole 10L into container 6L of fixture 2L and eventually spill onto lowerunit floor 7. However, with the waste line stoppage detection andautomatic water shutoff system in place, as the water continues to backup vent/waste line 27, it will begin to back up into pipe 20 containingthe waste line stoppage detector 21 therein to detect in the water. Asdescribed for each embodiment below, the waste line stoppage detectorwill activate electronic shutoff valves 38 and 40 to shut off hot andcold water lines 28 and 36 and thereby prevent an overflow of raw sewageinto the lower unit.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the waste line stoppage detector21 utilizing an electrode detection configuration 21A. A waste linestoppage detector 21A is contained in pipe 20 which preferablyconstructed of ABS or PVC plastic pipe. However, other plumbing pipematerial such as copper, brass, galvanized pipe or other suitablematerial may also be used. Pipe 20 also contains screen 49 whichprevents sewage from interfering with detection system. Attached to thetop of waste line stoppage detector 21A is electrode detection cap 48which is connected to pipe 20 such that water cannot escape waste linestoppage detector 21A. Cap 48 contains two electrodes, zinc cathode 50and copper anode 52, which are suspended within pipe 20. The cathodesand anodes of the preferred embodiment may also be constructed ofsuitable alternate material. Positive wire 56 is connected to anode 52and also to 24 volt transformer 58. Negative wire 54 is connected tocathode 50 which is also connected to 24 volt transformer 58. A 24 volttransformer 58 is electrically connected to electronic shutoff valves 38and 40 (See FIG. 2) by positive and negative wires 42 and 44 (See FIG.2).

The waste line stoppage electrode detector 21A functions generally asfollows. Water begins to enter pipe 20 due to water backing up from ablockage in waste line 27 (See FIG. 1 and 2) as previously described.The water will continue to back up into pipe 20 until the water levelreaches both zinc cathode 50 and copper anode 52 at which point acircuit is completed and a microcharge is generated between zinc cathode50 and copper anode 52. The microcharge signal travels from waste linestoppage detector 21 to 24 volt transformer 58 and activates electronicshutoff valves 38 and 40. A voltage booster may be included to increasethe voltage of the microcharge created by detector 21A. Alternatively,zinc cathode 50 and copper anode 52 may be contact elements thatcomplete a circuit upon submersion in water between waste line stoppagedetector 21A and 24 volt transformer 58 thereby activating electronicshutoff valves 38 and 40. In a specially preferred embodiment, theelectronic shutoff valves contain a backup battery power source andinclude a locking circuit which requires a manual reset such that ageneral power failure will not deactivate the electronic shutoff valves.

FIG. 4 depicts an alternate preferred embodiment of waste line stoppagedetector 21 utilizing a diaphragm and switch detection system 21B. Pipe20 contains a flexible diaphragm 60 which may be constructed of anyflexible material such as rubber or plastic which can withstand thepressure associated with the present invention. Pipe 20 also containsscreen 49 which prevents sewage from interfering with detection system.Cap 48 contains a sensor switch 62 and negative and positive wires 54and 56 which are electrically connected to switch 62 and 24 volttransformer 58. Sensor switch 62 is depicted as a push button switch;however, any switch that can be activated by the action of the diaphragm60 could also be used.

The alternate preferred embodiment of waste line stoppage detector 21Bdepicted in FIG. 4 functions generally as follows. Water enters pipe 20as described above; however, in this instance it will continue to riseuntil it reaches diaphragm 60. Once it reaches diaphragm 60 waterpressure will build and diaphragm 60 will evert towards switch 62. Waterpressure will continue to build and diaphragm 60 will continue to evertuntil switch 62 is activated, which completes the circuit between switch62 and transformer 58 thereby activating the electronic shutoff valves38 and 40.

As previously described, the preferred location for the waste linestoppage detector is between the San T fitting 18L and upright Y fitting26. This ensures early detection of a stoppage so that raw sewage doesnot overflow into the lower unit. With regard to the diaphragm/switchdetection system (described above) and also the float ball/switchdetection system (described below), installing the waste line stoppagedetector between the San T fitting and upright Y fitting also ensuresthat the backflow of water and sewage from a blockage will havesufficient pressure to activate the diaphragm/switch and floatball/switch type detectors.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of waste line detector 21utilizing a float ball and switch detection configuration 21C. Float 64is attached to rod 66 both of which are contained in pipe 20 which inthis embodiment is preferably a right angled pipe. Rod 66 is attached tospring 70. Spring 70 is attached to right angled arm 72 which ispositioned next to sensor switch 62, all of which are contained in ahousing 74. Positive and negative wires 54 and 56 are electricallyconnected to switch 62 and 24 volt transformer 58. Housings 64 and 74are connected and sealed such that water cannot escape from housing 64into housing 74. Pipe 20 also contains screen 49 which prevents sewagefrom interfering with detection system.

The alternative preferred embodiment of waste line stoppage detector 21Cdepicted in FIG. 5 functions generally as follows. Water will enter pipe20 due to a stoppage in waste line 27 (See FIG. 1 and 2) as previouslydescribed. As the water enters pipe 20, float ball 64 will begin to riseand rod 66 will begin to exert pressure on spring 70. As the waterpressure builds, pressure on spring 70 will rise as the float ball 64rises until spring 70 causes arm 72 to trigger sensor switch 62. At thatpoint, a circuit is completed and the electronic shutoff valves areactivated as described above.

A waste line stoppage detector constructed as a closed system asdescribed above will require consideration of the water and air pressureof the system to ensure that the water level will activate the detectorprior to the water backflowing through the lower unit drainage systemand overflowing out of fixture 2L. Use of a Y fitting for connecting thewaste line stoppage detector to the drainage system allows most of thetrapped air to escape through the vent portion of the vent/waste line.However, use of other fittings may require consideration of backpressure which is within the ordinary skill of the art to use thedisclosure herein to modify the configurations for use with otherfittings.

The waste line stoppage detectors described herein also have utility asan individual washing machine shutoff system. In such a system, onewaste line stoppage detector is connected to the waste line of a washingmachine and electrically connected to the internal shutoff system of thewashing machine. When a stoppage is detected, the washing machine isshut off which prevents water from draining from or entering into thewashing machine.

As previously described the complete waste line stoppage detector andautomatic water shutoff system has particular advantage and utility inmulti-level structures with stacked fixtures. For each additional unitof a multi-level structure the system is the same except that anotherstoppage detector may be included between the top lip of the fixture andadditional unit to the waste line system. Additional shutoff valves mayor may not be used on each additional lower unit depending upon whetherthe owner of the structure desires to shutoff the water to all thestacked fixtures or only those stacked fixtures affected by the wasteline stoppage.

The present invention also has utility and advantage in multilevelstructures or even single level structures that do not have stackedfixtures. In those applications, the waste line stoppage detector may beemployed where more than one fixture is attached to a common waste line.In such an application, although the plumbing will be different thanthat described herein, the waste line stoppage detector may be installedjust above the connection of the fixtures to the common waste line andbelow the top lip of the lowest fixture. And, the electronic shutoffvalves should be installed in the common water lines below the lowestconnection to one of the fixtures.

While the invention has application with utility and advantage in avariety of plumbing applications, the preferred embodiment has beendescribed with respect to one particular application, namely, stackedsinks. However, the invention has similar application and utility withany other stacking fixture including but not limited to bathtubs,showers, jacuzzis, toilets, bidets, urinals, washing machines and dishwashers. For fixtures utilizing fittings different than that describedherein, the waste line stoppage detector may be installed between thetop lip of the lower unit fixture and above the connection of the upperunit and lower unit waste lines. And, although the depiction containedherein illustrates the present invention for use with a sink whichtypically requires two water lines, hot and cold, the present inventionhas similar application to fixtures requiring only one water line suchas toilets, bidets and urinals. It should be readily apparent that manymore modifications of the apparatus and methods disclosed are possiblewithout departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.

I claim:
 1. A water supply and drainage system for a multilevelstructure comprising:a. a lower level plumbing system comprising:(1) afirst and second fixture; (2) a first and second water supply line forsupplying water to said first and second fixture respectively; (3) afirst and second waste line for draining waste water from said first andsecond fixture respectively; (4) an overflow prevention system forautomatically shutting off said first water supply line independent ofthe water flow of said second water supply line in response to adetected backup in said first waste line, said overflow preventionsystem comprising:(a) a waste line stoppage detector attached to saidfirst waste line for detecting a backup therein; and (b) an automaticshutoff valve in said first water supply line for shutting off waterflow through said first water supply line in response to said stoppagedetector detecting a backup in said first waste; b. an upper levelplumbing system comprising:(1) a first and second fixture, (2) a firstand second waste line for draining waste water from said first andsecond fixture respectively, and said first and second waste lineconnected to said lower level first and second waste line respectively;and (3) a first and second water supply line for supplying water to saidfirst and second fixture respectively, and said first and second watersupply line connected to said lower level first and second water supplyline respectively.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said stoppagedetector is selected from the group comprising: two electrodes suspendedin a housing, a float and sensor switch, and a diaphragm and sensorswitch.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said fixture is selected fromat least one of the group comprising: a sink, a bathtub, a shower, atoilet, a urinal, a jacuzzi and a bidet.
 4. The system of claim 1wherein said first fixture is a kitchen sink.
 5. A water supply anddrainage system for a multilevel structure comprising:a. a lower levelplumbing system comprising:(1) a first and second fixture; (2) a firstand second water supply line for supplying water to said first andsecond fixture respectively; (3) a first and second drain for drainingwaste water from said first and second fixture respectively; (4) a firstand second waste line attached to said first and second drainrespectively; (5) a first and second upright Y fitting, said firstupright Y fitting attached to said first waste line below said firstdrain, and said second upright Y fitting attached to said second wasteline below said second drain; (6) an overflow prevention system forautomatically shutting off said first water supply line independent ofthe flow of said second water supply line in response to a detectedbackup in said first waste line, said overflow prevention systemcomprising:(a) a waste line stoppage detector attached to said firstwaste line for detecting a backup therein, said first stoppage detectorlocated in a relative position between said first drain and said firstupright Y fitting; and (b) an automatic shutoff valve in said firstwater supply line for shutting off water flow through said first watersupply line in response to said first stoppage detector detecting abackup in said first waste line; and b. an upper level plumbing systemcomprising:(1) a first and second fixture; (2) a first and second drainfor draining waste water from said first and second fixturerespectively; (3) a first and second waste line attached to said firstand second drain respectively, and to said lower level first and secondwaste line respectively; and (4) a first and second water line forsupplying water to said first and second fixtures respectively, and saidfirst and second water line attached to said lower level first andsecond water line respectively.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein saidstoppage detector is selected from the group comprising two electrodessuspended in a housing, a float and sensor switch, and a diaphragm andsensor switch.
 7. The system of claim 5 wherein said fixture is selectedfrom at least one of the group comprising a sink, a bathtub, a shower, atoilet, a urinal, a jacuzzi and a bidet.
 8. The system of claim 5wherein said first fixture is a kitchen sink.
 9. A water supply anddrainage system for a multilevel structure comprising:a. a plurality oflower level plumbing systems, each said system located on the same leveland comprising:(1) a first and second fixture; (2) a first and secondwater supply line for supplying water to said first and second fixturerespectively, said first and second water supply line respectivelyconnected to a first and second water supply line of a plumbing systemlocated in the level immediately above said lower level plumbing system;(3) a first and second waste line for draining waste water from saidfirst and second fixture respectively, said first and second waste linerespectively connected to a first and second waste line of a plumbingsystem located in the level immediately above said lower level plumbingsystem, (4) an overflow prevention system for automatically shutting offsaid first water supply line in response to a detected backup in saidfirst waste line independent of the flow of water of said second watersupply line and independent of the flow of water through every otherlower level plumbing system, said overflow prevention systemcomprising:(a) a waste line stoppage detector attached to said firstwaste line for detecting a backup therein; and (b) an automatic shutoffvalve in said first water supply line for shutting off water flowthrough said first water supply line in response to said first stoppagedetector detecting a backup in said first waste line; a plurality ofupper level plumbing systems, each said system comprising:(1) a firstand second fixture; (2) a first and second water supply line forsupplying water to said first and second fixture respectively, saidfirst and second water supply line respectively connected to said lowerlevel first and second water supply line; and (3) a first and secondwaste line for draining waste water from said first and second fixturerespectively, said first and second waste line respectively connected tosaid lower level first and second waste line.
 10. The system of claim 9wherein said stoppage detector is selected from at least one of thegroup comprising: two electrodes suspended in a housing; a float andsensor switch, and a diaphragm and sensor switch.
 11. The system ofclaim 9 wherein said fixture is selected from at least one of the groupcomprising: a sink, a bathtub, a shower, a toilet, a urinal, a jacuzziand a bidet.
 12. The system of claim 9 wherein said first fixture is akitchen sink.
 13. A water supply and drainage system for a multilevelstructure comprising:a. a plurality of lower level plumbing systems,each said system located on the same level and comprising:(1) a fixture;(2) a water supply line for supplying water to said fixture; (3) a wasteline for draining waste water from said fixture; (4) an overflowprevention system for automatically shutting off said water supply lineof each said lower level plumbing system in response to a detectedbackup and independent of and every other lower level plumbing system;said overflow prevention system comprising:(a) a waste line stoppagedetector attached to said waste line for detecting a backup therein; and(b) an automatic shutoff valve in said water supply line for shuttingoff water flow through said water supply line in response to saidstoppage detector detecting a backup in said waste line; b. a pluralityof upper level plumbing system, each said system located on the samelevel and comprising:(1) a fixture; (2) a water supply line forsupplying water to said fixture, and said water supply line connected tosaid lower level water supply line; and (3) a waste line for drainingwaste water from said fixture, and said waste line connected to saidlower level waste line.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein said stoppagedetector is selected from at least one of the group comprising: twoelectrodes suspended in a housing; a float and sensor switch, and adiaphragm and sensor switch.
 15. The system of claim 13 wherein saidfixture is selected from at least one of the group comprising: a sink, abathtub, a shower, a toilet, a urinal, a jacuzzi and a bidet.
 16. Thesystem of claim 13 wherein said fixture is a kitchen sink.